Lille boss Rudi Garcia would be willing to bring Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole back to the club during the January transfer window.

Since returning from a loan spell at Lille, Cole has barely featured for Brendan Rodgers and has only played 32 minutes in the Premier League this season.

Garcia stated his admiration for Cole, and is giving serious thought to taking the playmaker back. Cole was a big success in France and helped the club qualify for the Champions League this term.

"Joe is not only a great person, but also a great footballer. But financially it was not possible to save him," Garcia said. "This can be prohibitive for the return of Joe to Lille. Sportingly and humanly, I'd love to see him back."

Earlier on Monday, former Lille midfielder Yohan Cabaye revealed Cole should consider a move back to France.

"It worked well for him at Lille. I've heard that Rudi Garcia would be interested to have him back," said Cabaye.

Cole and Liverpool head to Moscow on Wednesday for their Europa League game against Anzhi Makhachkala on Thursday. Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez will stay behind to rest for Sunday's trip to Chelsea.